By: Staff Writer
DEcember 11, 2020
Andrew Farhie, premier and minister of finance of the British Virgin Islands, said in a press release that he has been alerted to some “broad, vague and sweeping allegations made by His Excellency Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert” at a press conference earlier this week.
The release went on to say: “These statements by the Governor warrant a comprehensive response from your Government as it has implications on the local, regional and international reputation of British Virgin Islands and how all Virgin Islanders are viewed by persons looking on.”
Observers have noted that relations between the premier and the governor had been strained for quite some time now, with the now outgoing governor Jaspert having been given the cold shoulder to Farhie on several occasions prior to the matter that the premier is now referring.
The incoming Governor John Rankin, formerly the governor of the colony of Bermuda, is set to replace Governor Jaspert at the end of this year. So it seems as if Governor Jaspert is giving premier Farhie a parting shot, so to speak.
Mr Farhie’s release continued, “It is unfortunate that Governor Jaspert has chosen to make these damaging and reckless statements when, by his own admission, the veracity of these allegations has not been established by him or any investigative body.”
“I am very concerned that the manner in which the Governor has chosen to make his ambiguous pronouncements, with broad statements and withholding even the most basic of details, assaults not just the integrity of all Members of your elected Government, but that of our honest, hardworking public officers who operate the machinery of our public service – and in particular those public officers whose roles include accounting and finance.”
“It is sad that this is the goodbye gift that Governor chooses to leave the people of the BVI with after they have showed him BVILOVE for the last four years.”
“The Governor’s deliberate withholding of the details of his allegations – even the most basic of details – makes it impossible for any of the persons he has tainted to defend themselves and their reputations in the public domain.”
“Without knowing what the allegations are, no one can provide a detailed response to wipe the mud that has been thrown on them. In the least, this kind of conduct is contrary to natural justice.”
“Governor Jaspert has made reference to the recent economic stimulus which your Government was able to devise through collaboration across all the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the breadth of our public service, as well as with ideas received from private citizens through consultations, to help our Virgin Islands people to cope with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic.”
“As members of the public, you would recall that the funds for the economic stimulus programme were granted to the people of the Virgin Islands by the BVI Social Security Board (SSB) when the UK Government refused to provide COVID-19 grants for social support to Virgin Islanders. These funds were provided by the SSB based on a signed agreement that mandates how the money can and cannot be spent, and checks and balances that were approved by the Directors of the SSB to ensure that there is accountability for these funds.”
“With respect to funds from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) which is being applied to construction projects, in order to secure the release of funds the CDB had to give approval to our procurement methodologies and processes. We remain accountable to the CDB, as we are to the House of Assembly, for how these funds are spent and how value for money is achieved.”
“This is the level of accountability that your Government has been operating in the last 22 months.”
“With respect to legislation for accountability and Good Governance, your Government has expressed our commitment to strengthening these laws in the Speech from the Throne which was delivered by none other than Governor Jaspert on 5 November, 2020. Although the Speech from the Throne is read by the Governor, it is written by the BVI Government and states the Legislative Agenda of the BVI Government.”
Governor Jaspert, apparently not afraid to mince words, in remarks made back on November 10, said that he understands that a corruption ring has been uncovered with the BVI police and that investigations are ongoing. He also said in that November 10 statement: “The fact that corruption has occurred is a sobering sign that our institutions can be manipulated. If we fail to tackle corruption now, there is a danger that it could spread throughout our institutions, businesses and society. This must be a wake-up call – we cannot allow BVI to become a target for drug trafficking and criminality in the region.”
Mr Fahie’s statement continued, “Your Government’s Legislative Agenda for the upcoming year includes bringing forward the Integrity in Public Life Bill, Witness Anonymity legislation, the amending the Criminal Conduct Act to make provisions for unexplained wealth which derives from corruption and criminal activity, and several pieces of legislation to strengthen our justice system.”
“Therefore, to cast aspersions on your Government’s commitment to accountability and transparency in public affairs is unfounded. To accuse your Government and our public officers of operating in any dishonest way with the handling of public contracts or the COVID-19 economic stimulus programme is without merit.”
“As I have indicated, the Governor’s allegations were broad, vague, ambiguous and without even the most basic of details. Governor Jaspert has admitted that the truthfulness or substance of these allegations has not been established by him or any investigative body. Until he provides details of his allegations, it is impossible for anyone to know what he is accusing them of and how they can repair their reputation.”
“Until Governor Jaspert provides these details, there is insufficient information to provide you with a more comprehensive response. However, once the allegations are made clear, your Government will be happy to provide a comprehensive reply. I hope His Excellency will provide the necessary clarity before his earlier-than-expected departure from the Territory in January 2021.”
“Until such time, your Government will remain steadfast in purpose and diligent in actions in the execution of our duties on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands.”
In other news from the BVI, the seaports are set to open next year January as premier Fahie addressed this as well. Seaports of the British Virgin Islands will be opened to international travel on January 21, 2021.
Mr Fahie made the announcement during a live update on the reopening of the Territory’s borders on Monday evening.
The Premier said, “Given the number of persons that have been coming into the T.B. Lettsome Airport, which far exceeds our projection in this era, we see an opportunity to further strengthen our seaports to successfully balance lives and livelihood. We want the team there to be fully equipped as we COVID-19 proof the Territory.”
Mr Fahie said that the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands deferred the Territory’s December 8 opening to marine traffic from international visitors including via the Road Town Ferry Terminal, and private and charter vessels unless previously approved.
The Premier also said, “We do not want to compromise the safety and health of the people of the Virgin Islands. We do not want to retard our progress in having low or no COVID-19 in the Virgin Islands.”
He added, “We have set a target date of January 21 for the reopening of the Road Town Ferry Terminal only to incoming international visitors until all performance objectives for the reopening are met.”
The Premier said the aim is to ensure that all visitors experience an authentic BVILOVE welcome from the moment they begin their journey to the Territory and throughout the entire entry process whether it be the airport or seaport.
Premier Fahie said the main seaport is still in need of further adjustments and physical improvements for both the arrival and departure processes in the era of COVID-19. The Premier said this observation was made as a result of the recent reopening at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport which he said is a learning curve.
He also reminded persons that the borders of the British Virgin Islands are still open to welcome residents and visitors, but it will only be through the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport at this time.
The Premier concluded by saying, “The world is experiencing spikes and we must ensure that we do all we can and exhaust all efforts to keep everyone safe including persons living here and persons visiting.”
The Department of Information and Public Relations (GIS) will provide consistent updates on the reopening of the seaports on behalf of the Premier’s Office and the BVI Ports Authority.
Residents and visitors are reminded to observe all health and safety protocols, washing and sanitisation of hands, physical distancing and wearing of masks and shields in public spaces.
The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport reopened to visitors on December 1 as part of Phase III of the opening of the British Virgin Islands borders.
